The Ministry of Finance, Department of Financial Services, has officially notified that TransUnion CIBIL Limited will be permitted to use Aadhaar authentication for identity verification of users accessing credit information reports.
The notification (S.O. 1011(E)) issued on February 25, 2026, follows approval from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology after consultation with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). The move is aimed at simplifying identity verification while ensuring transparency and efficiency in financial services.
Aadhaar Authentication for CIBIL Platform
As per the notification, TransUnion CIBIL Limited will be allowed to perform Aadhaar authentication using:
- Yes/No authentication
- e-KYC authentication
The authentication will be used strictly for establishing the identity of users during registration and login on the CIBIL platform for accessing their credit information reports.
The decision has been taken under the provisions of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 and the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance Rules, 2020.
Aadhaar Use is Voluntary
The government has clearly stated that Aadhaar authentication will be entirely voluntary . CIBIL must obtain explicit consent from users before initiating Aadhaar-based authentication.
Importantly, no user can be denied service for refusing or being unable to undergo Aadhaar authentication.
Official copy of the notification is as follows
Alternative Identity Documents Allowed
To safeguard user rights, the notification mandates that TransUnion CIBIL must inform users about alternative identification options. These include:
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Voter ID issued by the Election Commission of India
- Driving License issued under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
- Ration Card
This ensures that users retain flexibility and are not compelled to share Aadhaar details.
Objective: Seamless and Transparent Credit Access
The government stated that Aadhaar-based identity verification helps reduce documentation requirements, streamline processes, and promote efficiency in delivering financial services.
With digital credit access growing rapidly in India, this move is expected to improve ease of access to credit reports while maintaining compliance safeguards.
What This Means for Consumers
For individuals checking their CIBIL score or downloading credit reports:
- Aadhaar can be used for faster verification.
- Consent is mandatory.
- Alternative ID documents remain valid.
- Services cannot be denied if Aadhaar authentication is declined.
The notification has been issued under file number F. No. 01/12/2025-CSFT and signed by Dr. Abhijit Phukon, Economic Adviser.
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